A Gamma Counter for the Neuroendocrinology Assay Lab at the University of Western Ontario

西安大略大学的神经内分泌分析实验室（NAL）是一个独特的研究实验室，专门研究、开发和应用分析方法来定量测定人类唾液中的激素。NAL还为神经科学或相关学科的学术研究人员提供一系列基于血清的专业检测，这些研究人员研究野生捕获的物种，包括鸟类、哺乳动物（如田鼠、鹿鼠）或实验室菌株。NAL拥有NSERC的主要资源支持拨款，并根据需要为位于加拿大各地大学或研究机构的约35名独立高级研究人员及其HQP提供检测服务。国家实验室的中心任务是为基础科学家提供一系列非常规分析分析方法。在目前的RTI申请中，我们寻求资金来更换老化但必不可少的实验室仪器，即NAL的伽马计数器，该计数器被大量用于实验室目前所有同位素分析曲目的性能。迫切需要更换这一核心设备，因为从2011年起，现有仪器的部件无法再获得，即使在二手部件市场上也是如此。目前，NAL支持HQP在15所加拿大和美国大学的研究工作，这些大学使用其专门的检测方法。因此，大量的个人研究项目的未来，其中大部分是nserc资助的，取决于国家实验室的持续可用性和运作，以及它独特开发的内部分析。对于目前正在进行的几项长期研究来说尤其如此，这些研究依赖于NAL进行持续的激素分析。在NSERC的RTI拨款的帮助下，NAL将能够提供持续的高质量支持，使这些研究项目按计划取得成功。

The Neuroendocrinology Assay Laboratory (NAL) at the University of Western Ontario is a unique research laboratory that specializes in the study, development, and application of analytical methods for quantifying hormones in human saliva. The NAL also offers a range of specialty serum-based assays to academic researchers in the neurosciences or allied disciplines who study wild-caught species including birds, mammals (e.g., voles, deer mice), or laboratory strains. The NAL holds a Major Resources Support grant from NSERC and provides assay services, on an as needed basis, to ~35 independent senior researchers and their HQP situated at universities or research institutes across Canada. The central mission of the NAL is to make available to basic scientists a range of non-routine analytical assays. In the present RTI application we seek funds to replace an aging but essential piece of laboratory instrumentation, namely the NAL's gamma counter which is heavily used for the performance of all of the Laboratory's current repertoire of isotopic assays. The need for replacement of this core equipment is urgent because, as of 2011, parts for the current instrument can no longer be acquired, even on the used-parts market. Currently the NAL supports the research endeavors of HQP at 15 Canadian and U.S. universities who use its specialized assays. Thus the future of a large number of individual research programs, most of them NSERC-funded, depends on the continued availability and operation of the NAL and its uniquely developed in-house assays. This is especially true for several long-term studies that are currently in progress, which rely on the NAL for their ongoing hormonal analysis. With the assistance of an RTI grant from NSERC, and the acquisition of a state-of-the-art gamma counter, the NAL will be able to offer continued high-quality support, allowing these research programs to come to successful fruition as planned.